What life skills should be taught in school? 🛠️

What life skills should be taught in school? 🛠️-

Introduction 👋

Education isn’t just about exams and textbooks — it’s about preparing young people for life.

While traditional subjects like maths and science can be important, there’s a strong argument for schools to teach practical life skills too.

These are the tools that help us navigate adulthood with confidence and independence.

So, what life skills should make the grade?

1. Technical skills 🛠️

1. Financial literacy 💷

• Budgeting: Understanding how to track income and expenses, wants Vs needs, how to maximise income and reduce expenditure. This includes creating a personal or household budget, setting spending limits, planning for bills and irregular expenses, using budgeting apps or spreadsheets, and building an emergency fund.
• Paying bills: Consequences for not paying bills, types of bills e.g. rent, mortgage, council tax, electricity, gas, water, broadband, mobile phone, TV licence, contents insurance, buildings insurance, car insurance, car tax, car finance, home maintenance, streaming services, gym membership, childcare, loan repayments, credit card bills, subscriptions, pet insurance.
• Using a bank: How to open and manage a bank account, read and understand statements, transfer money, set up standing orders and direct debits, use online/mobile banking safely, and understand overdrafts and bank charges.
• Interest: What interest is and how it’s calculated, APR (Annual Percentage Rate) and AER (Annual Equivalent Rate), interest on savings vs loans, how interest affects savings and loans, fixed vs. variable interest rates
• Types of financial products: Savings accounts (e.g. ISAs), loans (personal loans, student loans, payday loans), credit cards, mortgages, bank accounts for different needs (current accounts, student, business, joint), investment products (basic overview)Savings accounts: ISAs, easy access vs. fixed-term accounts. Loans: Personal loans, student loans, payday loans (and the risks involved).
• The role of banks: What banks do, how they make money, how banks support the economy, difference between retail banks, investment banks, and building societies, the importance of trust and regulation.
• The Bank of England: What it is and what it does, setting the base interest rate, swap rates, managing inflation and supporting economic stability, issuing banknotes and regulating other banks, role in financial crises and monetary policy.
• Financial safety: FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme), FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), protecting yourself from fraud and scams, understanding your rights as a bank customer.
• Tax: Understanding how taxes work, including income tax, VAT, and national insurance, reading payslips, council tax, what tax pays for, how to file a tax return, the benefits of paying tax, what happens if you don’t pay tax, managing tax when you’re self-employed. PAYE, P60s, P45s.
• Credit and debt management: Learning how credit works, how to build and check your credit score, responsible borrowing, managing and repaying debt, understanding minimum payments on credit cards, the risks of high-interest loans, and options like debt consolidation or contacting debt charities (e.g. StepChange, Citizens Advice), bankruptcy/insolvency.
• Insurance: Understanding different types of insurance including car, home, travel, pet, life, and health insurance. Learning how to compare policies, what excess means, how to make a claim, and when insurance is legally required (e.g. car insurance).
• Pensions: Understanding what pensions are and why saving early is important, state pension, eligibility, auto-enrolment, employer contributions, private pensions, tax relief, compound growth, retirement planning, self-employment.
• Investing: Basic principles of investing, including stocks, bonds, index funds, and cryptocurrencies. Understanding the relationship between risk and reward, diversification, and long-term vs. short-term investing strategies. Introduction to ethical investing and robo-advisors
• Consumer rights: Knowing your rights as a consumer and how to make complaints, the role of ombudsmans.
• Financial planning: Setting short-term and long-term financial goals, such as saving for a car, holiday, university, or home. Creating a financial action plan, understanding net worth, and adjusting plans based on life events like starting a job, moving home, or starting a family.
• Buying a home: Saving for a deposit, understanding mortgage types and how to apply, getting a mortgage in principle, what solicitors and estate agents do, the role of surveys and valuations, stamp duty, moving costs and budgeting for maintenance and repairs, leasehold vs freehold, shared ownership and Help to Buy schemes.
• Relationships and finance: Financial abuse, marriage, divorce

2. Homecare 🏡

• Cleaning and organisation: Keeping living spaces tidy and maintaining cleanliness. This includes tasks such as dusting, hoovering, mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, decluttering, and creating simple cleaning schedules or rotas.
• Laundry: Proper washing, drying, and care of clothes. Understanding clothing labels, separating lights and darks, choosing the right washing machine settings, drying items correctly, ironing, folding, and putting clothes away neatly.
• Sewing: Basic sewing skills for clothing repair. Learning to sew on a button, mend small tears, take up hems, and make minor adjustments to garments using a needle and thread or a sewing machine.
• DIY: Painting and decorating a home, building flat-pack furniture, putting up curtain poles, installing shelves, changing door handles, hanging pictures or mirrors securely, and understanding how to use basic tools safely (e.g. screwdrivers, hammers, drills).
• Basic home repairs: Unblocking a sink or toilet, changing a lightbulb, resetting a fuse box, sealing a bath or sink, fixing a squeaky door hinge, or stopping a dripping tap.
• Home heating: Understanding the basics of boiler care, bleeding a radiator, setting a thermostat, booking annual services.
• Gardening and outdoor maintenance: Mowing a lawn, watering plants, basic weeding, planting flowers or vegetables, maintaining garden tools, and knowing seasonal tasks like clearing leaves or covering outdoor taps in winter.
• Pest prevention and control: Recognising signs of common pests (e.g. mice, ants), basic prevention methods, knowing when to use traps or deterrents, and when to call a professional.
• Being a good neighbour: Understanding noise boundaries, respecting shared spaces, dealing with neighbour disputes calmly, and contributing to a safe and friendly community.

3. Safety 🔐

• Utilities: How to shut off electricity, water, and gas in an emergency, and when to call professionals for help.
• Fire safety: How to prevent fires, the importance of not leaving appliances on unattended, safe use of candles and heaters, creating an escape plan, using fire blankets/extinguishers.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: How to test alarms, change batteries, where to install them, and understanding the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Emergency procedures: What to do in the event of a fire, flood, or break-in, how to call emergency services, when to evacuate vs stay put.
• Electrical safety: Recognising and avoiding electrical hazards e.g. not overloading plug sockets or using damaged cables, keeping water away from electronics, checking appliances for faults, safely using power tools or equipment outdoors, knowing when an electrician is needed and avoiding DIY electrical work.
• Gas safety: Understanding how to safely use gas appliances such as cookers, heaters, and boilers e.g. Ensuring annual gas safety checks (especially in rented accommodation), recognising the smell of gas and knowing what to do in case of a suspected leak (turn off gas, ventilate, call the National Gas Emergency number), knowing the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning (e.g. headaches, dizziness, nausea), never blocking ventilation grills or covering gas appliances.
• First aid: Learning essential life-saving and emergency response skills e.g. CPR and the recovery position, how to deal with bleeding, burns, choking, sprains, fractures, and allergic reactions, using a first aid kit, when to call 999 vs seeking minor injury care, understanding how to help someone having a seizure, asthma attack, or diabetic emergency.
• Self-defense: Learning basic techniques and habits to protect yourself in dangerous situations e.g. awareness of surroundings and avoiding risky situations, setting personal boundaries, de-escalating conflict, and recognising threatening behaviour, basic physical techniques to break free or protect yourself (e.g. wrist release, vocal assertiveness), when and how to call for help, understanding that self-defense is about protection, not fighting.

2. Housing and Legal Matters  🧑‍⚖️

• Tenancies: Understanding tenancy agreements, rights and responsibilities, and dealing with landlords.
• Understanding laws: Basic knowledge of country laws, such as contracts, rights, and obligations.
• Consumer rights: How to handle faulty goods, refunds, and warranties.
• Dispute resolution: Understanding how to resolve conflicts legally (e.g., small claims court).
• Wills and probate: Basic understanding of inheritance laws and how to make a will.

3. Cars and travel 🚗

• Driving: Basic driving skills, road safety, and understanding the Highway Code
• Public transport: How to use buses, trains, and the London Underground.
• Car maintenance: Basic car maintenance knowledge (oil changes, tire checks, etc.).
• Vehicle insurance: Understanding the types of car insurance and what is legally required.

4. Politics and Society ⚖️

• Understanding democracy: How democratic political systems work, understanding the roles of voting, referenda, and citizen participation, awareness of political parties, their ideologies, understanding the influence of lobbyists and think tanks on policymaking.
• The role of political parties: how parties shape government policy and represent public interests, understanding party manifestos, leadership, and party structures.
• MPs (Members of Parliament): what MPs do and how they represent constituencies, how to contact your MP and what they can do for you.
• The role of governments: Understanding the role of local and national government. e.g. Councils, parliament, the Prime Minister, the cabinet, the house of lords.
• Human rights: The Human Rights Act, civil liberties, equality and protection under laws.
• Global citizenship: Understanding global challenges such as climate change, conflict and poverty, international relations, international organisations such as the UN and the EU, foreign aid, diplomacy, international co-operation, and global responsibility.
• Economic basics: The fundamentals of economics, supply and demand, inflation, economic cycles, cost of living, recessions, employment, wages, and interest rates.
• Social system navigation: Access to benefits, maternity support, pension support, disability support, unemployment support, taxes and how they’re used e.g. Income tax, National Insurance contributions
• Environmental awareness: Understanding climate change, conservation, pollution, renewable energy, recycling, sustainable living practices, environmental government policies.
• Cultural awareness: understanding different cultures, religions, and traditions, tolerance, inclusion, anti-discrimination.
• Crime: the role and responsibilities of the police, the impact of crime on communities, the criminal justice system.
• Media literacy: Identifying bias, misinformation, and fake news, evaluating sources of information critically, understanding the role of the press and freedom of expression.
• Campaigning: How to start or join a campaign, understanding petitions, protests, and lobbying, participating in community groups or volunteering for social change.
• Digital citizenship: Responsible use of social media and online platforms, understanding data privacy, cyberbullying, and online safety, how social media can influence politics and public opinion.
• Public policy: how policies are made and implemented, engaging with public consultations and local planning decisions, tracking how policies affect different communities.
• Legal awareness: Basic knowledge of UK laws and legal rights, understanding the justice system, courts, and access to legal aid, knowing your rights in police interactions or legal disputes.

Certainly! Here’s a list of life skills associated with later life, formatted in UK English:

—

**Life Skills for Later Life**

**Retirement planning:** pension options, state pension eligibility, workplace pensions, private savings, retirement age
**Estate planning:** making a will, inheritance planning, appointing executors, power of attorney
**Funeral planning:** how to plan a funeral, prepaid funeral plans, expressing funeral wishes
**Healthcare management:** registering for regular check-ups, managing chronic conditions, understanding NHS services for older adults
**End-of-life care:** understanding palliative and hospice care, making advance care decisions, end-of-life support services
**Financial management in later life:** budgeting on a fixed income, avoiding scams, managing debts, downsizing or equity release
**Social connection:** staying socially active, preventing loneliness, joining clubs or community groups
**Navigating age-related benefits:** attendance allowance, pension credit, winter fuel payment, free prescriptions and travel
**Digital skills for older adults:** using smartphones and tablets, accessing services online, online safety and privacy
**Housing options in later life:** independent living, sheltered accommodation, care homes, adaptations for ageing in place
**Physical activity and wellbeing:** low-impact exercise, maintaining mobility, fall prevention, mental wellbeing
**Bereavement support:** accessing grief counselling, support groups, practical steps after a loss
**Lifelong learning and hobbies:** pursuing interests, adult education, volunteering, keeping mentally active
**Legal rights in older age:** age discrimination laws, protection under the Equality Act, understanding elder abuse and how to report it
**Family communication:** discussing future care needs, sharing end-of-life wishes, maintaining healthy family relationships

—

Would you like this list adapted into a printable resource or a visual guide?

5. Technology

• Digital literacy: Basic computer skills, using the internet, and understanding online safety.
• Cybersecurity: Understanding online security, phishing, and protecting personal data.
• Software skills: Familiarity with office software (word processors, spreadsheets, etc.).
• Social media awareness: Managing online profiles and understanding the impact of social media.
• Coding: Basic knowledge of programming and website development.

6. Health and Wellbeing 🧑‍⚕️

• Personal hygiene: Proper handwashing, brushing teeth, skincare, and hair care.
• Cooking and nutrition: Meal planning, how to cook meals, how to read food labels, cooking on a budget, understanding balanced diets and the importance of eating well.
• Exercise: The basics of physical fitness and staying active.
• Mental health: Recognising signs of mental illness and seeking help when needed.
• Sleep hygiene: Understanding the importance of sleep and good habits.
• Addiction awareness: Understanding the dangers of addiction (e.g., drugs, alcohol, gambling).
• Healthcare systems: How to navigate healthcare systems e.g. GPs, hospitals
• Stress management:

7. Careers 💼

• Career planning: Identifying career goals and pathways, switching careers.
• Job searching: Writing CVs, cover letters, preparing for interviews, handling job rejection.
• Understanding university: University finance, how to decide whether to go to university or not,
• Workplace behaviour: Understanding professional ethics, punctuality, and work etiquette.
• Networking and mentorship: Building professional networks and seeking guidance.
• Personal branding: Managing your online presence and reputation.
• Managing a manager:
• Salary negotiation:
• Becoming a manager:
• Managing conflict at work:
• Starting a business:
• Quitting a job:
• The role of HR
• Redundancy and getting fired
• The role of trade unions

Parenting

8. Parenting

Later life

9. Later life

2. Soft skills 🤝

1. Personal Development 🌱

• Self-awareness: Understanding your own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Time management: Prioritising tasks, setting goals, and staying organised.
• Stress management: Techniques for managing pressure, including mindfulness and relaxation.
• Emotional intelligence: Recognising and managing emotions in yourself and others.
• Critical thinking: Analyzing and evaluating information to make reasoned decisions.
• Problem-solving: Approaching challenges systematically to find solutions.
• Decision-making: Understanding how to make informed choices based on available information.
• Adaptability: Being open to change and learning new skills in a dynamic world.
• Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and handling adversity.
• Self-care: Understanding the importance of maintaining mental and physical well-being.

2. Communication Skills 👂

• Verbal communication: Expressing thoughts clearly and effectively.
• Non-verbal communication: Understanding body language, tone, and facial expressions.
• Active listening: Fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to others.
• Negotiation skills: Reaching mutually beneficial agreements in various situations.
• Conflict resolution: Handling disputes calmly and professionally.
• Networking: Building professional relationships and connections.
• Public speaking: Effectively presenting in front of an audience.

3. Social skills 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve common goals.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
• Leadership: Inspiring and guiding others to achieve objectives.
• Cultural awareness: Respecting and understanding different cultures and backgrounds.
• Social etiquette: Demonstrating politeness, respect, and appropriate behaviour in different social situations.
• Developing and maintaining friendships:
• Romantic relationships: marriage

Conclusion 👍

So that’s it!

By integrating these essential life skills into the curriculum, schools can better equip young people for the realities of adulthood.

After all, education should be about more than just passing exams — it should be about preparing for life.

Hopefully this article has helped you to understand different life skills that should be taught at school.

If you know any friends or family members who are interested in teaching life skills at school, share this post with them!

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